Blow to von der Leyen as two commission nominees rejected

MEPs rejecting the Hungarian and Romanian nominees is a blow to President-elect Ursula Von der Leyen's new Commission (Source: AP Images)

MEPs have rejected the Hungarian and Romanian nominees for the European Commission just before their confirmation hearings due to conflicts of interest.

Hungary's Laszlo Trocsanyi, who was put forward for EU-enlargement commissioner role, has come under fire over links between a law firm and work that it carried out for the Hungarian government.

Romania's Rovana Plumb, who was selected to be transport commissioner, allegedly took out loans and donated to the country's ruling party, say reports by the Romanian press.

A German member of the committee, Tiemo Woelken, tweeted that members had decided that the pair are "unfit to become commissioners".

French member Manon Aubry told journalists that a vote confirmed the committee's finding last week that the two commissioners "cannot take office because of conflicts of interest".

In a statement, Trocsanyi slammed the "blatant injustice" of his disqualification and vowed to fight it "before the responsible court of justice".

Hungary's Laszlo Trocsanyi was set to be in charge of EU-enlargement before MEPs rejected him (Source: AP Images)

A vice chairman on the legal affairs committee, Sergey Lagodinsky, tweeted that the disqualifications were "a victory for parliamentary democracy".

The decision weakens incoming Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen's hand as Parliament holds the remaining confirmation hearings between 30 September and 8 October.

She has asked Hungary and Romania to propose new candidates and both have said they will. Budapest has proposed Olivér Várhelyi, Hungary's permanent representative to the EU.

The remaining nominees will undergo a three-hour grilling as they seek final approval from Parliament.

There will be three hearings a day up until 8 October. Von der Leyen's choices for the top positions will be questioned on the final day.

MEPs rejected Romania's Rovana Plumb (front) who was due to become transport commissioner (Source: AP Images)

During the process, nominees will be asked about their policy plans, qualifications and skills and will be examined by their potential portfolio committees.

This is important for Von der Leyen to ensure her 26 nominees are confirmed to head departments including energy, trade, security, transport and financial affairs.

After the hearings, Parliament will take a vote on October 23 to confirm the entire College of Commissioners. Once elected, the European Commission – the EU's executive arm – will begin work on November 1.

With input from AFP